The Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC) is the most important entity in the semiconductor industry and is responsible for the majority of chips used in devices such as phones, tablets, and computers. TSMC is considered untouchable and has earned the nickname “Sacred Mountain of Protection.” Not only does TSMC drive innovation in the industry, but it is also a stabilizing force in the geopolitical standoff between Taiwan and China.
Wired contributor Virginia Heffernan recently visited the TSMC facility in Taiwan and shared her experience on the Gadget Lab podcast. She discussed how chips are made and the semiconductor industry’s impact on innovation while remaining largely invisible to the general public.
In addition to Virginia’s story, the podcast offered recommendations for listeners, including the Netflix show “Seven Seconds,” the Electronic Frontier Foundation’s podcast “How to Fix the Internet,” and the Apple TV show “Bad Sisters.”
Listeners can subscribe to the Gadget Lab podcast through various platforms, including the Podcasts app on iPhones and iPads, Overcast, Pocket Casts, Google Podcasts app for Android, and Spotify. A RSS feed is also available.
